Patients with glaucoma have significantly worse ocular surface disease signs and symptoms and worse quality of life as compared with cataract patients, according to a study.
Because glaucoma is a symptomless disease in the initial stages, adverse reactions from treatment of an “invisible” problem can result in poor treatment adherence. This study quantifies the effects of OSD (ocular surface disease) in patients taking glaucoma medications. Not surprisingly, the authors found that glaucoma sufferers may have significant signs and symptoms of OSD that can affect their quality of life. In fact, previous research shows that up to about half of glaucoma sufferers may have OSD.
The good news is that optometrists play a key role in improving patient adherence to glaucoma medication and raising their quality of life by addressing their dry eye concerns. Even in jurisdictions without glaucoma prescribing rights, optometrists can make a significant contribution in the fight against a leading cause of blindness. Optometric glaucoma doctors can go one step further in recommending medications that are less likely to irritate the ocular surface. Consequently, we must make increasingly difficult and more expensive choices regarding equipment. The keratograph used in this study is particularly significant, as it highlights the intersection of advanced dry eye diagnostics and glaucoma management. Whether you take a high-tech or more conventional approach, you are wise to consider OSD when seeing your glaucoma patients.
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